‘I Won’t Treat Young People As The Enemy In Government’ - HH

UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has promised never to treat young people as enemies if his party forms a government following elections in 2021.

Mr Hichilema said the UPND would treat young people as partners, who are equally deserving of attention and respect.

His comments come amidst backlash against the incumbent PF government for its treatment of anti-corruption protestors, most of whom are young people.

Police were deployed to the streets of Lusaka in full riot gear on Monday, after Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo told protestors to go home or “risk being dealt with”.

One PF Member of Parliament, Tutwa Ngulube, even went so far as to urge the police to “break their bones if possible”. 

In response to the ongoing protests, Mr Hichilema has said that all citizens have the right to voice their concerns, adding that youths in particular needed jobs and opportunities in business and leadership.

“We We in UPND will have roles specifically reserved for youths that not only attend to their needs but enable them to excel beyond their own expectations”, he said.

The opposition leader promised that youths would form an integral part of his administration in 2021 and that his government would not drown out their voices.